Lionel Messi reaches new heights in Seattle

FC Barcelona striker visits top of historic Space Needle to commemorate the club’s 2009 U.S. Tour stop in Seattle.

SEATTLE – To commemorate FC Barcelona’s 2009 U.S. Tour, Argentine striker Lionel Messi today participated in one of the most unique photo opportunities to emerge from the city of Seattle. The 22-year-old, considered by many to be the world’s greatest player, made the trek to the roof of Seattle’s historic Space Needle where he showcased a commemorative scarf featuring the team marks of both FC Barcelona and Seattle Sounders FC. He then visited the famed observation deck, where he juggled the ball to the delight of the tourists visiting the landmark.

Messi took a scenic elevator to the observation deck and climbed three flights of steep stairs to the rooftop the 605-foot tall Space Needle, where a helicopter hovered overhead to capture the images which have since circulated around the world.

The team’s visit will be further commemorated tonight when the iconic Seattle beacon will be lit in the colors of the club, blue and red.

From the roof, Messi moved to the 520-foot Observatory Deck, which has a 360 degree view of the city. The Argentine striker juggled the ball to the delight of the Space Needle visitors, who immediately began to snap photos and get autographs.